Raps bring back a familiar face

Welcome home, big man

Rasho Nesterovic in Toronto — I liked it the first time around and I like it now. The Raptors officially welcomed the big man back into the fold yesterday, signing him to a one-year, $1.9 million deal. Nesterovic, of course, was included in the trade that sent T.J. Ford to Indiana for Jermaine O’Neal (who eventually turned into Shawn Marion, and now Hedo Turkoglu) last summer.

Nesterovic is the perfect second unit big man — he doesn’t demand the ball on offense but can step up and hit the open shot when necessary, plus rebounds and plays strong enough D. In short, you certainly don’t lose anything with him on the court, especially with other big men on the floor looking to score (Bosh and Bargnani). Also, it’s always good to bring in guys that want to be here — even after the trade to the Pacers, Nesterovic kept his place in Toronto and made no secret of where he wanted to play.

One more fun fact about Rasho: Last season (with Indiana) was the first of his 11-year career where his team didn’t make the playoffs. He spent the two seasons prior to last with the Raptors, averaging 6.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 151 games.

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[…] Raps bring back a familiar face « That’s what I’m saying, guy… Nesterovic is the perfect second unit big man — he doesn’t demand the ball on offense but can step up and hit the open shot when necessary, plus rebounds and plays strong enough D. In short, you certainly don’t lose anything with him on the court, especially with other big men on the floor looking to score (Bosh and Bargnani). Also, it’s always good to bring in guys that want to be here — even after the trade to the Pacers, Nesterovic kept his place in Toronto and made no secret of where he wanted to play. […]